State Board of Ed president brings listening tour to Mathews tonight

Virginia Board of Education president David M. Foster will bring his listening tour to Mathews County Public Schools tonight, with a program from 6-8 o’clock in the Thomas Hunter Middle School multi-purpose room.

Foster will begin with a presentation explaining the role of the Virginia Department of Education and the state Board of Education, and then open the meeting to questions from the audience, according to Mathews Superintendent of Schools Dr. David J. Holleran.

All Region III school divisions are expected to be represented at this meeting.

"I look forward to hearing people’s thoughts on reforms the board has made to the SOL testing program in recent years, the shift to college- and career-ready standards for those graduating from our public schools, and other major issues before us," Foster said. "We are also interested in hearing views and concerns related to the A-F grading system that is to be implemented as a result of the legislation approved by the 2013 General Assembly. The board expects to take action on the proposed grading formula at its November 21st meeting."

Earlier in the day, members of the Mathews School Board, local legislators and other invited guests will conduct a tour of schools, starting at 8:15 a.m. at Thomas Hunter Middle School.

On Friday morning, Gloucester County Superintendent of Schools Ben Kiser will accompany Foster and state board vice president Betsy Beamer on a 9:15 a.m. tour of Botetourt Elementary School led by principal Bambi Thompson.